The Buffalo City Youth Council is steering 40 disadvantaged youths towards a better future through free driving lessons.
The lessons, part of the metro’s skills development initiative, are sponsored through a partnership with the office of the deputy mayor and Coega Industrial Development Zone.
Through the lessons, 40 aspiring Code 8 (light motor vehicle) drivers will have the opportunity to hone their driving skills weekly.
Randomly chosen from a municipal database directed at skills development, the youths currently sit for learners’ licence classes at Buffalo City College, which kicked off on November 16.
Those who pass will move on to a driver simulator before getting behind the wheel in the yard and driving.
Candidates live in East London, Duncan Village, Mdantsane and King William’s Town.
According to council treasurer Sipho Kilani, the idea came after calls from youth stating that one of the biggest obstacles for first-time job seekers was a driver’s licence.
Approached for funding, Kilani said the deputy mayor agreed to assist, leading to a successful engagement with Coega IDZ, where agreement was reached that 40 student drivers would be assisted in the 2015-16 financial year.
“So many young people have finally found some purpose and are moving towards fulfilling their dreams of being employed one day,” Kilani said.
“The youth council wishes to encourage the recipients of the driver programme to exploit the opportunities afforded to them,” he added.
One of the 40 youths taking part in the programme, Duncan Village resident Samora Yindia, said she had taken part in the programme because opportunities were scarce.
“Even when there is money to pay for a learner’s you may struggle to get all the way to the drivers because it’s so expensive. So when I heard about this, I was very keen to get on board as this could be a key to unlock employment opportunities.”
“These days, matric is not the only thing needed.
“Many companies insist on a driver’s licence, which is difficult to get when you are unemployed and have no money,” she said.
Voted into council in June last year, Kilani said the purpose of the council was to deal with youth issues such as lack of skills, provide assistance in areas dealing with HIV/Aids and address a multitude of socio-economic problems.
“Basically we create a space where issues can be discussed and ensure that services come closer to the community.
“We don’t want the youth to struggle,” he said. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
Youth receive chance for free driving lessons
The lessons, part of the metro’s skills development initiative, are sponsored through a partnership with the office of the deputy mayor and Coega Industrial Development Zone.
Through the lessons, 40 aspiring Code 8 (light motor vehicle) drivers will have the opportunity to hone their driving skills weekly.
Randomly chosen from a municipal database directed at skills development, the youths currently sit for learners’ licence classes at Buffalo City College, which kicked off on November 16.
Those who pass will move on to a driver simulator before getting behind the wheel in the yard and driving.
Candidates live in East London, Duncan Village, Mdantsane and King William’s Town.
According to council treasurer Sipho Kilani, the idea came after calls from youth stating that one of the biggest obstacles for first-time job seekers was a driver’s licence.
Approached for funding, Kilani said the deputy mayor agreed to assist, leading to a successful engagement with Coega IDZ, where agreement was reached that 40 student drivers would be assisted in the 2015-16 financial year.
“So many young people have finally found some purpose and are moving towards fulfilling their dreams of being employed one day,” Kilani said.
“The youth council wishes to encourage the recipients of the driver programme to exploit the opportunities afforded to them,” he added.
One of the 40 youths taking part in the programme, Duncan Village resident Samora Yindia, said she had taken part in the programme because opportunities were scarce.
“Even when there is money to pay for a learner’s you may struggle to get all the way to the drivers because it’s so expensive. So when I heard about this, I was very keen to get on board as this could be a key to unlock employment opportunities.”
“These days, matric is not the only thing needed.
“Many companies insist on a driver’s licence, which is difficult to get when you are unemployed and have no money,” she said.
Voted into council in June last year, Kilani said the purpose of the council was to deal with youth issues such as lack of skills, provide assistance in areas dealing with HIV/Aids and address a multitude of socio-economic problems.
“Basically we create a space where issues can be discussed and ensure that services come closer to the community.
“We don’t want the youth to struggle,” he said. — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
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